Animal welfare

Animals are fundamental to Australia's history and development. They are a source of companionship, food, fibre and other products.

Scientific studies show that inadequate welfare standards compromise the growth, reproduction and survival of animals. It is the personal responsibility of anyone who interacts with animals to make sure they are treated decently and appropriately.

In South Australia, the Animal Welfare portfolio is administered by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation. Animal welfare crosses all government agencies and covers all animals, whether they are native, feral, owned or wild.

DEWNR administers the Animal Welfare Act 1985 (the Act) and provides advice to the state government, non government organisations and the general public on the Act and animal welfare issues in general.

Breeding and trading companion animals

The South Australian Standards and Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals will come into effect on 1 August 2017. They will be regulated under the Animal Welfare Regulations 2012. The Standards are compulsory and set minimum health and welfare requirements that must be met by anyone who breeds or trades companion animals including:

pet shops

shelters

dog and cat breeders

anyone who sells companion animals from venues such as markets or shows.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge and respect the Traditional Custodians whose ancestral lands we live and work upon and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and respect the deep spiritual connection and the relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to Country.

We also pay our respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their nations in South Australia, as well as those across Australia.

Seven sisters and the Coloured Stone by Dorcas Miller, a Mirning Woman from Koonibba, South Australia